Difficulty with standing balance is a frequent clinical issue with multiple possible etiologies. It may be seen with normal aging or common pathologies such as diabetic neuropathy. In patients with cervical degenerative disease, progressive standing and gait imbalance can be an indication of cervical spinal cord dysfunction, termed cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). As opposed to…
Studies have shown patients with diabetes who have poorly controlled blood sugar are more likely to have more adverse outcomes after elective surgery. At the same time, patients do not want to wait for spine surgery. Waiting means prolonging their pain, disability and immobility — and results in significant patient dissatisfaction. To improve surgical outcomes…
After completing a pair of spinal fellowships in the latest surgical techniques and technologies, Shawn W. Adams, M.D., has joined Norton Leatherman Spine and Norton Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Adams’ fellowships covered complex adult spine, deformity and minimally invasive techniques. “I try to develop a relationship with my patients and partner with them to get the…
Norton Healthcare has been named the first Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence in the country by DNV, a national accrediting body. This designation is given to organizations that demonstrate excellence in diagnostic services, surgical services and therapies related to orthopedic and spine care. To receive the Advanced Orthopedic & Spine Center of Excellence…
Even though I’m a neurosurgeon specializing in spine, I spend a lot of time talking to my patients about issues other than their backs. Rarely do I see back pain in isolation. Before they undergo spinal surgery, patients who are obese or who have osteoporosis or have poorly controlled diabetes all have risks we need…
The patient A 27-year-old female presented with five months of progressive quadriparesis and paresthesias affecting both upper and lower extremities. She initially presented to her primary care provider five months prior, while eight months pregnant, with weakness, numbness and tingling in her right upper extremity. The symptoms initially were thought to be a result of…
The goal of Norton Leatherman Spine Back and Neck Pain Clinics is to see patients referred by primary care physicians, emergency departments or other clinicians in an expedited fashion. We strive to offer appointments within 72 hours of referral and often can see patients the next day. Even patients whose symptoms do not appear urgent…
Norton Leatherman Spine is named for Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., a pioneering surgeon whose groundbreaking work treating scoliosis brought him worldwide renown. We’re still known as a place where patients can receive innovative surgery from outstanding surgeons. But Norton Leatherman Spine is a lot more than surgeons and surgery. We offer coordinated, multidisciplinary care for…
Spine surgeon Kathryn J. McCarthy, M.D., is a new addition to the Norton Leatherman Spine team. According to Dr. McCarthy, her aim is to bring a balance of current effective treatments and compassion to the bedside. Women in spinal care “There is a significant gender imbalance in spine care providers,” Dr. McCarthy said. “There are…
Using 3D, computer-generated spine navigation systems to position implants has transformed spinal surgery. Not only can we place the spinal implants with greater precision, navigation has allowed us to perform more surgeries using a minimally invasive approach. Minimally invasive surgery means smaller incisions, less muscle dissection, shorter hospital stays, less narcotics use, and a quicker…
In the years after World War II, Kenton D. Leatherman, M.D., pioneered new approaches to treating scoliosis. More than half a century later, we are doing our best to carry forward that legacy of innovative scoliosis care. We are always working to make our surgeries more effective, less invasive and safer for our patients with…
The patient A female age 5 years and 11 months presented for evaluation of spinal deformity and back pain in September 2020 from a pediatrician referral. X-rays showed a 53-degree scoliosis curve in the thoracic spine and 42 degrees in the lumbar spine. An MRI was ordered to look for any other spino-neural axis abnormalities….